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Top 10 Steelers prospects -- Timmons #2

Steelers top 10 prospects are entering the 2010 season.

1. Rashard Mendenhall

The Pittsburgh Steelers first round pick in 2008, Rashard Mendenhall has the size and speed to be one of the elite running backs in the National Football League. His career got off to a disappointing start when he suffered a fractured shoulder during Week 4 of his rookie year, which caused him to miss the rest of the season. But, this past year, Mendenhall had a breakout season and took over the starting role when Willie Parker went down with an injury. Mendenhall played in all 16 games in 2009, starting 12 of them, and carried the ball 242 times for 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown. With Parker no longer in Pittsburgh, Mendenhall is now the featured back for the Steelers.

2. Lawrence Timmons

Even though Lawrence Timmons is entering his fourth season, he just turned 24 years old and still qualifies as a prospect in this series. And, in many respects, he still hasn't had that breakout year. Slowly but surely, Timmons is transitioning from a great athlete into a tremendous football player. Over the last two years, he's shown signs of greatness, and last year he began to put it together, as he recorded 78 tackles, seven sacks and four forced fumbles. Last year was a huge stepping-stone in Timmons' career, and this season could be the year where he turns into an All-Pro.

3. Mike Wallace

The Steelers found a gem in the third round last year when they selected Mike Wallace. Known for his game breaking speed and ability to make the acrobatic happen at Ole Miss, Wallace displayed those exact talents for the Steelers in his first season and became their big play threat. He played in all 16 games, starting four, and caught 39 passes for 756 yards and six touchdowns. With Santonio Holmes in New York and Limas Sweed out for the year with an Achilles injury, Wallace will likely be a starter opposite Hines Ward this season.

4. Maurkice Pouncey

Looking to upgrade their offensive line, the Steelers used their first round pick this past April to select a player that gives them options at center and guard. Maurkice Pouncey starred at center for Florida and dominated the SEC with his twin brother Mike. Pouncey will compete for a starting job this preseason and could emerge as a starter at guard, as Justin Hartwig has the edge at center.

5. Ziggy Hood

Nicknamed Ziggy, because his grandmother couldn't pronounce Evander, the Steelers' first round choice in 2009 didn't see much action as a rookie, and was used primarily as a situational defender and special teams contributor. He played in all 16 games and recorded eight tackles and a sack. Hood will see more action this year, and with Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel in their thirties, it won't be long until Hood takes over at defensive end full-time.

6. Jason Worilds

A second round pick in the '10 draft, Jason Worilds was the typical Steelers selection: a fast, relentless pass rusher who can create havoc in the backfield. Worilds was an all-world defender at Virginia Tech and decided to forego his senior season after he amassed 49 tackles, 11 for a loss, and 4.5 sacks as a junior. He will likely be a situational defender for the Steelers this year and will be used in certain packages to disrupt the quarterback.

7. Dennis Dixon

Dennis Dixon's time may come sooner than expected with all the controversy surrounding Ben Roethlisberger and his future in Pittsburgh. The Steelers traded for Byron Leftwich this offseason to be the starter, while Roethlisberger serves his four-to-six game suspension. But, if Leftwich struggles, Dixon will get the call. Dixon started one game last year when Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch were injured, and in that start against the Baltimore Ravens, Dixon completed 46.2-percent of his passes for 145 yards a touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed for 27 yards and scored a touchdown.

8. Emmanuel Sanders

The Steelers had to add depth at wide receiver in the draft, after they traded Holmes. And, while Emmanuel Sanders was a bit of a reach in the third round, the numbers he posted - 98 receptions for 1,339 yards and seven touchdowns - this past year at SMU were impressive. Sanders will have to compete with Arnaz Battle and Antwaan Randle El during training camp to emerge as the No. 3 or 4 wide receiver on the depth chart.

9. Kraig Urbik

After being selected in the third round in 2009, Kraig Urbik spent most of his rookie season on the inactive list. Urbik is a massive interior presence and has the strength to keep the opposition at bay. He was unable to lock down one of the backup jobs last season during the preseason, but entering his second year, and being more familiar with the scheme, he should be able to beat out Ramon Foster as the top reserve on the interior.

10. Frank Summers

A fifth round pick last year, Frank Summers started the 2009 season as the Steelers starting fullback. But, he suffered a back injury during Week 2 and was placed on injured reserve the following week. Summers isn't just a blocking fullback, he has the ability to contribute on offense as a runner and receiver. He will likely be the starting fullback this year and gives the Steelers options in the backfield.

Woman: "Sir, what have you given us?"
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Re: Top 10 Steelers prospects -- Timmons #2

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Re: Top 10 Steelers prospects -- Timmons #2

I don't buy "prospects" in football. These are good lists to have in baseball, where you have your recent draft picks spread among A, AA, and AAA rosters within your minor league system, or in hockey, where young guys are in major junior hockey, U.S. college hockey, AHL, ECHL, or playing overseas. In football, these guys aren't prospects. They are football players that are expected to contribute to this team in some way this year.

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Re: Top 10 Steelers prospects -- Timmons #2

I'm not a fan of this list- for the same reasons that Ruthless states. Plus, I can not put a 4th year player on a "prospects" list.

What I would suggest is a list of young players that it is most important for the team, that they "step up"

1A- If Denis Dixon is chosen to be the starter for the first 4-6 games, then the #1 spot on this list has to be squarely placed upon his shoulders. Dixon has all the physical skills- the questions will be based upon his decision making.

1B. Mike Wallace
All pressure is on MW to develop after an excellent rookie season. With Holmes gone, Wallace is the defacto starting flanker. As such, he is likely to face the opponents top corner, and often double coverage. Neither of which he was up against last season. If Wallace can not live up to expectations the offense could be in big trouble. All other veteran receivers on the team are inside/slot guys. They'll be able to move the chains- but are no threat to go deep. Watch the safety creep up on the LOS- if Wallace doesn't perform, and the passing game and run game suffer as result.

2. Emmanuel Sanders
For the same reason Wallace's performance is imortant to the team- No Holmes means double coverage on Wallace. Neither El or Battle are outside threats. The team needs another receiver to provide speed and some potential threat to help give Wallace some room. Baring the team signing some unforeseen FA WR, this task is going to fall on Sanders.

3. Rashard Mendenhall
I am hesitant to put each of the first 3 "key" positions all on offense- particularly when it was on the defensive side of the ball that the team failed last season, but- that is where the focus lies- without Holmes & Ben.

In his 3rd season, and 2nd starting, Mendenhall will be expected to carry the load- possibly much more than last season- which by most accounts was a very strong year for the first year starter. Mendenhall will likely be looked at as a more complete back this season. I'd expect him to be a 3 down back. RM has excellent hands - and is a solid blocker in the back field. The only time I'd consider taking him off the field is in a 5 wide/spread or a heavy formation. Mendenhall has all the skills- but opposing teams will likely be focusing more upon the run this year with the offensive subtractions already mentioned. Here is to hoping RM is able to produce.

4. Young Offensive Lineman.
Keeping with the trend- its all about the O. The offensive line performed reasonably well last season. Almost have of the sacks taken by the team were attributed to "mistakes" by other players- including the QB. But this season the OLine has a new coach, and several young players that are being looked upon to step up- to provide a significant improvement on interior pass protection and run blocking.
Pouncey
Urbik
Legursky
Foster
in that oder, will all be expected to "bring it" this season- to shore up the teams weakness at short yardage situations, and interior pass protection.

5. Kennan Lewis.
It's a testament to the crazy off season, that last season's achilles heel is only 5th on my list. The re-addition of Bryant McFadden lessens the severity of need @ CB this season- but the secondary as a whole is still lacking depth- which is where Lewis comes in. It is not expected that Lewis will start over BMac this season, but the team is in desperate need of depth across the secondary. Lewis has the skill set to play corner and safety in the NFL, and will likely see a lot of time in the Nickle & Dime packages. Here is to hoping he performs better than the guys in those roles last season.